In Praise of Slowness: How a Worldwide Movement is Challenging the Cult of Speed

In Praise of Slowness: How a Worldwide Movement is Challenging the Cult of Speed, Carl Honore, Harper SanFrancisco, 2004

We live in an era of speed, where everything moves faster than ever before. Ever since the Industrial Revolution, the idea has been to cram more into each minute of the day. Any unoccupied time during the day, whether for adults or children, is considered a reason to panic. At what cost? Imagine the time spent, over a lifetime, sitting in commuter traffic, or being placed on hold. Imagine the health care dollars spent on stress-related illnesses. The average American adult spends only a half-hour per week making love. There is an alternative, called the Slow movement.

Now a growing worldwide phenomenon, the Slow movement is not a Luddite call to abandon technology. Cellphones and email can be very good things. Nor does it suggest that people should live their entire lives in slow motion, while the rest of the world acts like a video tape stuck on fast forward. Occasionally, Fast is necessary. Slow strives to find a balance in people's lives. Sometimes, slowing down leads to more energy.

Not everything in this book is possible for everyone but here are some examples. Cook a meal from scratch once a week. Eat a homemade tossed salad (made with locally produced vegetables) along with take-out Chinese food. Set the table for take out pizza, instead of eating in front of the TV; in fact, no more dinners in front of TV. There are a number of cookboooks that specialize in quick meals. When cooking, prepare more than is needed and freeze the rest.

If your child isn't doing well in school, a possible reason is that every spare moment out of school is filled with activities. It leaves them no time to relax or just be a kid. Ask them if that's what they really want. Turn off the TV.

There is a growing movement of health professionals who think that spending more time with each individual patient is not a bad thing. Consider trying alternative medicine, in addition to, not instead of, regular medicine. For those who need to lose a few pounds, try walking. It's free, you don't need to join a health club, and you may be surprised at what you will find in your own neighborhood.

This book is much needed, and I really enjoyed reading it. Stress seems to be endemic in the 21st century. Here is an antidote. This is very highly recommended.